Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe

Craving a cozy, comforting meal? Look no further than this Swedish Meatball Casserole, a twist on the classic Swedish meatballs dish. It's a hearty casserole that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with egg noodles and a rich, creamy sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The best part? It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and delivers all the deliciousness of traditional Swedish meatballs in a simple, casserole-style dish.

In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of making this tasty casserole, along with helpful tips, ingredient variations, and serving ideas. Ready to dive into comfort food heaven? Let’s get started!

What Is a Swedish Meatball Casserole?

A Swedish Meatball Casserole is a comforting baked dish that combines the classic flavors of Swedish meatballs with pasta (typically egg noodles) and a creamy, savory sauce. Swedish meatballs are typically made with a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg, and served with a rich, creamy sauce. In this casserole version, the meatballs and sauce are layered with cooked egg noodles and baked in the oven, making it an easy, one-dish meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients List for Swedish Meatball Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork (or use all ground beef if preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (for frying the meatballs)

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups cooked)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (divided)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

These ingredients will yield a comforting casserole that serves around 6 people, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers.

Substitutions and Variations

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is very adaptable. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Ground Meat: You can use a combination of beef and pork for traditional flavor, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with cornstarch.
• Pasta: While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or Swiss cheese works well, but you can also use Gruyère, fontina, or a combination for a more complex flavor.
• Cream: If you want a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Herbs and Spices: Add a little cayenne or paprika for a kick, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand—the beauty of casseroles is how customizable they are!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Swedish Meatball Casserole.

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, allspice, nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined.

Form the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 20-25 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they’ll finish cooking in the casserole.

Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Slowly add the beef broth, whisking as you pour to prevent lumps from forming.

Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles and half of the creamy sauce. Stir until the noodles are coated.

Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the browned meatballs, then pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) for a pop of color and serve.

How to Cook Swedish Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps to make Swedish Meatball Casserole:

1. Cook the egg noodles and set them aside.
2. Prepare and brown the meatballs.
3. Make the creamy sauce with beef broth, cream, and sour cream.
4. Combine the noodles with half of the sauce and layer them in a casserole dish.
5. Top with meatballs, the rest of the sauce, and cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden, then serve!

With these simple steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to go in under an hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making this Swedish Meatball Casserole:

1. Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
2. Undercooking the Meatballs: The meatballs should be browned but not fully cooked before baking. Make sure they finish cooking in the oven to ensure they are juicy and tender.
3. Too Thin Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer on the stovetop before pouring it over the casserole. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Swedish Meatball Casserole is a hearty dish, and you can easily round out the meal with a few simple sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve with a Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus go well with this dish.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a slice of crusty French bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Swedish Meatball Casserole

For a more elegant presentation, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve directly from the baking dish or transfer portions to individual plates for a more refined look. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Swedish Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes! To save time, you can use frozen meatballs. Just thaw them and brown them before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs, gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce, and gluten-free pasta or rice in place of the egg noodles.

Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking or freeze any leftovers. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners at home. With flavorful homemade meatballs, tender egg noodles, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is bound to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this casserole is easy to prepare, and leftovers (if you have any) are just as delicious the next day. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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